Brendan Clarke

Review of Notifications for Distribution Connected GeneratorsMAC Meeting 14 November 2012

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Current Requirement

7.9.1. Subject to clauses 7.9.1A and 7.9.2, if a Market Participant intends to synchronise Scheduled Generator, then it must confirm with System Management the expected time of synchronisation:(a) at least one hour before the expected time of synchronisation; and(b) must update this advice immediately if the time confirmed pursuant toclause 7.9.1(a) changes.

7.9.5. Subject to clause 7.9.6A, if a Market Participant intends to desynchronise a Scheduled Generator, then it must:(a) confirm with System Management the expected time of desynchronisation at least one hour before the expected time of desynchronisation; and(b) update this advice immediately if the time confirmed pursuant to clause7.9.5(a) changes.

Note this does not apply if issued an instruction that requires commit/decommit within 1 hour , but does apply if issued an instruction that requires commit/decommit later than 1 hour .

cl. 7.9.1 C first contravention: $30 000, subsequent contraventions: $60 000

cl. 7.9.5 C first contravention: $45 000, subsequent contraventions: $90 000

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Difference in Safety Approach between Transmission and Distribution

Transmission Connected Generators

- Safety is monitored by the System Operation Controller (SSOC).

- Control is enabled by telephone communication with the Power Station Operator.

- Synchronisation / desynchronisation is granted by SOCCC upon request

Distribution Connected Generators

- Safety is monitored by the Networks Operation Controller (NOC).

- Control is enabled by electronic communication with the Power Station Control System.

- Synchronisation is generally granted by NOC continuously. NOC removes this granting for synchronisation for maintenance or safety reasons. Desynchronisation is permitted at any time.

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The Technical Rules specifically detail the electronic communication

requirements for distribution connected generators to allow this to happen

3.6.9 Remote Control, Monitoring and Communications(a) For generating units exporting 1 MVA or more to the distribution system theGenerator must provide for:(1) tripping of the generating unit remotely from the Network ServiceProvider’s control centre;(2) a close-enable interlock operated from the Network ServiceProvider’s control centre; and(3) remote monitoring at the control centre of (signed) MW, MVAr andvoltage.

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Proposition

System Management may waiver the requirements for distribution connected generators that fall into this category by giving written consent to the Market Participant – this removes the risk of civil penalty

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Proposed Wording

The proposed change is given below:

7.9.1. Subject to clauses 7.9.1A, and 7.9.2 and 7.9.2A, if a Market Participant intends to synchronise a Scheduled Generator, then it must confirm with System Management the expected time of synchronisation:

(a) at least one hour before the expected time of synchronisation; and(b) must update this advice immediately if the time confirmed pursuant toclause 7.9.1(a) changes.

7.9.2A. System Management may advise in writing that a Market Participant that owns a Scheduled Generator connected to the distribution network that it is not required to give a confirmation under clause 7.9.1. in respect of that Scheduled Generator. System Management may only do this where is it satisfied that safe operation facilities and procedures an in place.

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Proposed Wording

The proposed change is given below:

7.9.5. Subject to clause 7.9.6A and 7.9.6B, if a Market Participant intends to desynchronise aScheduled Generator, then it must:

(a) confirm with System Management the expected time of desynchronisationat least one hour before the expected time of desynchronisation; and(b) update this advice immediately if the time confirmed pursuant to clause7.9.5(a) changes.

7.9.6B. System Management may advise in writing that a Market Participant that owns a Scheduled Generator connected to the distribution network is not required to give a confirmation under clause 7.9.5. in respect of that Scheduled Generator. System Management may only do this where is it satisfied that safe operation facilities and procedures an in place.

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